Van Patrick

Van Patrick (August 15, 1916 – September 29, 1974) was an American sportscaster, best known for his play-by-play work with the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.

Self-nicknamed "the Ole Announcer", Patrick called Lions games from 1950 until his death in 1974. He had two stints with the Tigers, broadcasting for the team for one season in 1949 and then again from 1952 to 1959.

Biography Patrick graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU), where he played football with future Washington Redskins quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Sammy Baugh. He also played baseball and basketball at TCU.

After graduating, he began his broadcast career as a baseball play-by-play announcer in various minor leagues, including the International League, the Texas League and the old Southern Association. An Associated Press reporter observing the demonstration said, "Technically, it was surprisingly good." At the time of his death in 1974, he owned four radio stations. He died of cancer while preparing to call a Notre Dame football game in South Bend, Indiana.

Legacy The Notre Dame Club of Chicago established the Van Patrick Award to honor Patrick's memory. Patrick is a Past President of the Detroit Sports Media Association.